Technical Standards

The Athletic Training (AT) Program at the University of Charleston is a
rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on
the students enrolled in the program. An objective of this program is to
prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care
to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The technical
standards set forth by the AT Program establish the essential qualities
considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the
knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well
as meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency (Commission on
Accreditation for Athletic Training Education [CAATE]). The following abilities
and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the AT Program. In the
event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without
reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted into the program.

Athletic Training students must demonstrate:

The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate
concepts and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments
and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm.

Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and
coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted
techniques; and accurately, safely and efficiently use equipment and materials
during the assessment and treatment of patients.

The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and
colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social
backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish
rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information
effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language
at a level consistent with competent professional practice.

The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment
plan clearly and accurately.

The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during
periods of high stress.

Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and
uncertainty in clinical situations.

Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to
professional education and quality patient care.

If a student states he/she can meet the technical standards with
accommodation, the University’s ADA Coordinator will evaluate and validate a
student who states he/she could meet the program’s technical standards with
accommodation and will work with the Department of Athletic Training to
determine whether it agrees that the student can meet the technical standards
with reasonable accommodation; this includes a review as to whether the
accommodations requested are reasonable, taking into account whether
accommodation would jeopardize clinician/patient safety, or the educational
process of the student or the institution, including all coursework, clinical
experiences and internships deemed essential to graduation.

ADA Statement

It is the policy of the University of Charleston to
provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with documented
disabilities. This college will adhere
to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidelines
with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as regard to affording
equal educational opportunity. It is the
student’s responsibility to contact the disability coordinator and provide
current documentation from appropriate credentialed persons. The disability coordinator is located in room
302 of the Learning Commons (3rd floor of Clay Tower Building) and
will assist students and faculty in arranging appropriate accommodations. This is in accordance with Section 503 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.